Information providing apparatus and  information providing method

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an information providing apparatus and an information providing apparatus. Images which are consecutive in time series are sequentially enlarged and displayed such that the enlarged images are continuous spirally in the time-series order from the inner circumferential side. In this manner, according to the present invention, it is possible to understand easily a before-after relationship between a large number of images which are consecutive in time series by applying the present invention to a set-top box for digital satellite broadcasting, for example.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an information providing apparatus andan information providing method which can be applied to, for example, aset-top box for digital satellite broadcasting and which sequentiallyenlarge index images and the like and display the enlarged index imagessuch that the images are consecutively arranged in time-series order onspiral layout from the inner circumferential side, so that thebefore-after relationship between many consecutive images in time seriescan be easily understood.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, in a set-top box and the like for digital satellitebroadcasting, contents and the like of broadcastings on respectivechannels are displayed, for example, on a multi-screen in order that adesired channel can be selected easily from a large number of channels.

In this kind of video apparatus, for example, it is considered that adesired program is recorded by connecting the apparatus to arecording/reproducing device such as an optical disk device, a hard diskdevice, or the like. In this case, it is also considered that a desiredprogram is watched and heard by time shift.

If a user watches and hears the program thus recorded, there may be acase that the user desires to watch and hear only a specific scene. Inthis case, it is considered that the scene desired by the user can beselectively provided if a head of each scene is displayed as a stillimage and a corresponding scene is reproduced by selection made by theuser. Accordingly, the operationality can be improved.

However, if those still images are displayed and disposed simply, thebefore-after relationship of the still images cannot be grasped easily,so the operationality is deteriorated inversely.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems andhas an object of providing a video signal processing apparatus and avideo signal processing method by which a large number of images whichare consecutive in time series can be displayed such that a before-afterrelationship between the images can be easily understood.

An information providing apparatus according to the present inventiondisplays information on a screen, based on information data providedthrough a plurality of information sources and is characterized bycomprising: first information obtain means for obtaining firstinformation data concerning a first information source of the pluralityof information sources, from the first information source; secondinformation obtain means for obtaining second information dataconcerning a second information source of the plurality of informationsources, from the second information source; menu screen display meansfor displaying a categorized menu screen on the screen, based on thefirst and second information data obtained; and display means forobtaining necessary information data from the first or secondinformation source, in response to selection operation on the menuscreen, thereby to display information based on the necessaryinformation data onto the screen.

In the apparatus, the first information data is index informationconcerning contents outputted from the first information source, and thenecessary information is information data for displaying contents of thecontents.

Also, the first information source and the information providingapparatus are connected with each other through a network, and the firstinformation obtain means obtains the first information data through thenetwork.

Next, an information providing method according to the present inventionis to display information on a screen, based on information dataprovided through a plurality of information sources and is characterizedby comprising: a first information obtain step of obtaining firstinformation data concerning a first information source of the pluralityof information sources, from the first information source; a secondinformation obtain step of obtaining second information data concerninga second information source of the plurality of information sources,from the second information source; a menu screen display step ofdisplaying a categorized menu screen on the screen, based on the firstand second information data obtained; and a menu screen display step ofobtaining necessary information data from the first or secondinformation source, in response to selection operation on the menuscreen, thereby to display information based on the necessaryinformation data onto the screen.

In the method, the first information data is index informationconcerning contents outputted from the first information source and thenecessary information is information data for displaying contents of thecontents.

Also, in the first information obtain step, the first information dataconcerning the first information source is obtained from the firstinformation source through the network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a set-top box according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal control section of theset-top box shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a remote commander of the set-topbox shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the remote commander shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a plane view showing a main menu screen.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between the mainmenu screen and menus in a lower layer with respect to recommendedchannels.

FIG. 7 is a plane view showing a menu screen of the recommended channelsshown in FIG. 6.

FIGS. 8(A) to 8(C) are plane views used for explaining transit from themain menu screen to the menu screen of recommended channels.

FIGS. 9(A) to 9(C) are plane views used for explaining switching of thefocus on the menu screen of recommended channels.

FIGS. 10(A) to 10(D) are plane views used for explaining transit fromthe main menu of recommended channels to display of a program.

FIG. 11 is a plane view showing a program guide.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between the mainmenu screen and menus in a lower layer with respect to categories.

FIG. 13 is a plane view showing a menu screen of category shown in FIG.12.

FIG. 14 is a plane view showing a menu screen of program selection inthe category.

FIGS. 15(A) to 15(C) are plane views used for explaining transit fromthe main screen of the category to the menu screen of program selection.

FIGS. 16(A) to 16(B) are plane views used for explanation subsequent toFIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a plane view showing a program guide in the category.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between the mainmenu screen and menus in lower layers with respect to media.

FIG. 19 is a plane view showing the menu screen of media shown in FIG.18.

FIG. 20 is a plane view showing a menu screen of program selection ofmedia.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in an internalcontrol section when switching a menu screen.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a plane view showing a first search screen.

FIG. 24 is a plane view showing the first search screen in case wheremedia are difficult to randomly access.

FIG. 25 is a plane view showing a second search screen.

FIGS. 26(A) to 26(C) are plane views used for explaining switching ofthe focus in the circumferential direction on the second search screen.

FIGS. 27(A) to 27(C) are plane views used for explaining switching ofthe focus in the radial direction.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the internalcontrol section on the display of the first search screen.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure on the display ofthe first search screen.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the internalcontrol section on the display of the second search screen.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart used for explanation of operation of obtaining ofprogram information.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be describedin details with reference to appropriate drawings.

(1) Structure of Embodiments

(1-1) Entire Structure

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a set-top box according to anembodiment of the present invention. In this set-top box 1, a tuner 2receives broadcasting waves of digital satellite broadcasting which isdown-converted through an antenna 3, and demodulates a desired transportstream from these broadcasting waves. Further, the tuner 2 demodulatesimage data and sound data from the transport stream and outputs the datatogether with an electronic program guide (EPG).

A program information extraction section 5 extracts electronic programinformation from the output data from the tuner 2, and outputs theinformation to the internal control section 4, as well as the image dataand sound data to a video signal processing section 6 and a sound signalprocessing section 7, respectively.

Under control by the internal control section, the video signalprocessing section 6 expands and outputs the image data outputted fromthe program information extraction section 5 and image data which isinputted from a video disk recorder 8 as an external device. In thiscase, the image data is transmitted in form of a data compression formataccording to MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group), for example.

Also, under control by the internal control section 4, the video signalprocessing section 6 outputs the image data outputted from the programinformation extraction section 5 to a video disk recorder 8 in case ofrecording a desired program by the video disk recorder 8. At this time,the video signal processing section 6 detects a scene change bycomparing sequential frames with each other, and outputs the image fromwhich a scene is changed to another (this image will be hereinaftercalled an index image), as a still image, to the video disk recorderduring recording. In this manner, the video signal processing section 6records an index image of each of scenes constituting a program, ontothe video disk recorder 8. Also, the video signal processing section 6thus notifies the internal control section 4 of time informationindicating a relationship between a still image thus recorded andoriginal image data. As a result of this, in the set-top box 1, indeximages thus recorded are used so that a scene desired by a user can beselected simply.

A video mix section 9 synthesizes the image data outputted from thevideo signal processing section 6 and image data outputted from agraphics display signal preparation section 10 and outputs thesynthesized data to a monitor device 11. In this manner, in the set-topbox 1, a desired program can be watched by the monitor device 11, andvarious menu screens necessary for selection of this program can beviewed with eyes. At this time, under control by the internal controlsection 4, the video mix section 9 synthesizes and outputs these twoimage data pieces through processing such as cross-fading or the like,and also synthesizes image data through keying such that an image basedon the image data outputted from the video signal processing section 6is embedded at a part of an image based on image data outputted from thegraphics display signal preparation section 10.

The sound signal processing section 7 expands the sound data outputtedfrom the program information extraction section 5 and sound datainputted from the video disk recorder 8 as an external device andoutputs the sound data to the speaker 12. In this manner, in the set-topbox 1, sound of a desired program can be heard through a speaker 12.Also, under control by the internal control section 4, the sound signalprocessing section 7 outputs sound data outputted from the programinformation extraction section 5 to the video disk recorder, linked withthe video signal processing section 6, when a desired program isrecorded.

The video disk recorder 8 is one of various media which can be connectedto the set-top box 1, and a video tape recorder, a compact disk player,a hard disk device, or an optical disk device is applied as the medium.

A home-net input/output control section 13 is a control section of aninterface in this set-top box 1 to a home-network constructed byconnecting the video disk recorder 8 and the like through an IEEE 1394interface, and controls operation of the video disk recorder 8 undercontrol by the internal control section 4. In this manner, in theset-top box 1, programs based on digital satellite broadcasting anddigital ground wave can be recorded into the video disk recorder 8, andprograms recorded in the video disk recorder 8 can be watched and heard.

Also, when thus recording programs based on digital satellitebroadcasting and digital ground wave broadcasting, the home-netinput/output control section 13 records program information, indeximages, and the like concerning these programs together under control bythe internal control section 4, and selectively reproduces theinformation, index images, and the like under control by the internalcontrol section 4 and notifies the internal control section 4 and thelike of them.

Also, the home-net input/output control section 13 notifies the internalcontrol section 4 of detailed program information, data concerningrecording reservation, and the like obtained from a predetermined serverthrough a telephone line, in addition to the processing as describedabove. The section 13 also notifies the internal control section 4 ofdetailed program information obtained from a CD-ROM attached to thevideo disk recorder 8. In this manner, the set-top box 1 can obtaindetailed program information from various information sources withrespect to various programs which can be provided for users.

Under control by the internal control section 4, the graphics displaysignal preparation section 10 generates and outputs image data throughvarious display screens (which will be described later) with use ofinformation thus obtained. At this time, the graphics display signalpreparation section 10 generates image data from index images recordedin the video disk recorder 8 if necessary and outputs the image data tothe video mix section 9. In this manner, the set-top box 1 can simplyselect a program desired by a user.

A communication control section 15 accesses a predetermined accountingcenter through a telephone line with respect to a program necessary foraccounting process under control by the internal control section 4 andexecutes processing of necessary data exchange. In this manner, aprogram of a so-called paper view or the like can be watched and heardby the set-top box 1.

An operation control section 16 receives an infrared remote controlsignal transmitted from a remote commander 18, detects an operation ofan operation key provided on an operation panel of the set-top box 1,and then sends a control signal in accordance with the internal controlsection 4.

The internal control section 4 is a micro computer which controls theoperation of the set-top box 1 and also controls the operation of thevideo disk recorder 8 if necessary. This section 4 executes a series ofcontrol by executing control programs stored in a memory 19, as shown inFIG. 2.

That is, the memory 19 is comprised of an area where the controlprograms are stored and an area of a data area as a work area for acentral processing unit 4A. The internal control section 4 executes thecontrol programs by the central processing unit 4A and issues controlcommands to each of circuit blocks as required. Also, the section 4obtains various data from each of these circuit blocks and controls theentire operation.

In these controls, the internal control section 4 obtains electronicprogram information outputted from the program information extractionsection 5, detailed program information obtained from a server, programinformation obtained from a CD-ROM attached to the video disk recorder8, program information provided by an optical disk, and theseinformation pieces concerning a program recorded in the video diskrecorder 8, with respect to all programs that can be provided throughthe monitor device 11 and the speaker 12 connected to the set-top box 1.The internal control section 4 further controls the operation of thegraphics display signal preparation section 10 so as to display a menuscreen based on program information which totally systematizes theinformation pieces.

In case of recording a program of digital satellite broadcasting or thelike by the video disk recorder 8, the program information piecesobtained as described above are recorded together so that the programsrecorded in the video disk recorder 8 can be managed by the programinformation pieces thus recorded.

In this management of programs, the internal control section 4 unitarilymanages these program information pieces so that programs which can beprovided by the set-top box 1 can be easily selected, and furtherreceives a selection operation from a user through a layered menuscreen.

The internal control section 4 also records a history of programswatched and heard by a user who uses the set-top box 1, and controls theoperation of the graphics display signal preparation section 10 suchthat a favorite channel of the use is displayed to be selectable priorlyin accordance with the history.

In this manner, the set-top box 1 displays information of programsprovided by media such as broadcasting, an optical disk, and the like,on the screen, and thus constructs an information providing apparatuswhich provides an information screen as various information.

(1-2) Structure of Remote Commander

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an outer appearance of thestructure of a remote commander. This remote commander 18 is formed in asubstantially rod-like shape. A window 18A for transmitting infraredrays is formed on the end surface in the front end side. In the remotecommander 18, operation keys 18B such as ten-keys and the like areprovided on the upper surface in the top end side, and a desired programcan be selected by operating the operation keys 18B.

The upper surface of the remote commander 18 is lowered like a stepdrawing a smooth curve in the back end side behind the operation keys18B such as ten-keys and the like, and the remote commander 18 can begripped at this back end side by one hand. A button 18C having arelatively large diameter is provided at a portion which contacts athumb when the remote commander 18 is gripped at the back end side witha thumb positioned upside. An operation key 18D for cancellation isprovided behind the button 18C.

The button 18C is an operation key for selection and determination andcan switches the focus of an icon on the menu screen by operating thebutton 18C in the up, down, left, and right directions as indicated byarrows A to D. Also, a focused icon can be opened by pressing down thisbutton as indicated by an arrow E. This button 18C is operated in thedirections indicated by the arrows A to D and thereby functions as anoperation key for making a selection. Therefore, in this case, thebutton 18C will be hereinafter called a selection operation key. Thebutton 18C is pressed as indicated by the arrows A to D and functions asan operation key for making a determination. In this case, the button18C will be hereinafter called a determination operation key. Incontrast, the operation key 18D for cancellation is an operation key forreturning to a menu screen in a higher layer just above the layer of thescreen presently displayed.

Further, the lower surface of the remote commander 18 is lowered like astep such that a forefinger hooks on the lowered step when the remotecommander 18 is gripped with a thumb positioned upside. At the portionwhere the forefinger hooks, a press operation key (called a shiftoperation key hereinafter) 18E like a gun trigger is provided. In thiscase, the shift operation key 18E is an operation key which serves toswitch the display mode. In this set-top box 1, the display screen canbe switched to a screen for program guide or a search screen byoperating a predetermined operation key with the shift operation key 18Epressed.

In this manner, in the set-top box 1, the remote commander 18 is grippedby one hand so that a desired program can be selected. Also, ifnecessary, the shift operation key 18E is pressed with the remotecommander 18 gripped by one hand, and the display screen can thus beswitched.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the remote commander 18. The remotecommander 18 detects operations of the operation keys 18B, 18C, 18D, and18E by the central processing unit (CPU) 18G through a predeterminedinterface, and drives a transmission section 18H based on the detectionresult, thereby to transmit an infrared remote control signal. At thistime, when other operation keys 18C and 18D are operated with the shiftoperation key 18E pressed, the central processing unit 18G inserts aremote control signal indicating that the other operation keys 18C and18D are operated, and sends sequentially a remote control signalindicating press operation on the shift operation key 18E. In thismanner, a remote control signal is outputted such that the set-top box 1can detect that these operation keys are simultaneously operated.

(1-3) Layered Display of Menu Screen

FIG. 5 is a plane view showing a main menu screen which is displayed onthe monitor device 11 by the set-top box 1. When the set-top box 1 isstarted to operate or in response to an operation on the menu screen ina lower layer below the main menu screen, the internal control section 4displays the main menu screen. Although each icon is formed with afigure and a text included therein so that the contents of icons can begrasped with eyes, the figures and texts will be partially omitted fromthe icons shown in the drawings.

In this case, the main menu screen is constructed by a menu ofrecommended channels (Recommended), a menu of categories (Categories),and a menu of media (Media), each displaying nine icons. The menu ofrecommended channels (Recommended) is an icon for selecting the menuscreen of recommended channels. These recommended channels are virtualchannels to which channels that are selected with higher frequencies areassigned among channels that are receivable through the tuner 2, with apast history used as a reference.

In contrast, the menu of categories (Categories) is an icon for openinga menu screen which is classified by categories, and the menu screenclassified by the categories is a menu screen for opening programs(including programs recorded in the video disk recorder 8 in addition tothe program being presently broadcasted) which can be watched and heardby the set-top box 1, respectively for the categories. Also, the menu ofmedia (Media) is an icon for opening a menu screen for selecting mediawhich can be watched and heard by the set-top box 1.

As a result of this, each menu on the main menu screen is arranged so asto construct an icon for opening a menu screen in a lower layer. A titleindicating a menu screen, a channel, or the like presently focused isdisplayed at an upper portion on each display screen including the mainmenu screen, and an operation guide, a detailed commentary, or the likeis displayed at a lower portion of the screen.

The internal control section 4 controls the graphics display signalpreparation section 10 so as to display the menu of categories(Categories) at the center of the main menu and the menus of recommendedchannels (Recommended) and media (Media) in the left and right sides ofthe menu of the categories, respectively, in an initial stateimmediately after the power is turned on. Further, the internal controlsection displays a frame-like mark W (hereinafter called a mark offocus) so as to surround the menu of categories (Categories) at thecenter in the initial state, and notifies the user of that the menu(Categories) at the center is presently focused, by the mark W. Notethat an arrow indicating the direction in which the selection operationkey 18C can be operated is displayed together with the focus mark W, sothat the operationality for the user can be improved.

Further, in response to operation of the selection operation key 18C ofthe remote commander 18 in the left and right directions, the internalcontrol section 4 moves leftward and rightward the entire of the mainmenu screen including the menu of recommended channels (Recommended),the menu of categories (Categories), and the menu of media (Media) withthe focus mark W displayed at the screen center. In this manner, theinternal control section 4 switches the focused menu in response to anoperation of this selection operation key 18C in the left and rightdirections. When the display is switched from a menu screen of a lowerlayer to the main menu screen, the internal control section 4 displaysthe main menu screen, focusing the menu corresponding to the previousmenu screen immediately before the switching.

Thus, in the present embodiment, the internal control section 4 forms afixed focus area at the screen center on the menu screen, and moves theentire of the menu screen by operation of the operation key 18C, todisplay an icon of a focus in the focus area. In this manner, in theset-top box 1, movements of the view point are reduced so that the iconselected by a user can be confirmed easily.

In this respect, FIG. 6 shows a diagram explains a relationship betweenthe main menu screen and menu screens of lower layers with respect tothe menu of recommended channels (Recommended). When the determinationoperation key 18C is pressed with the menu of recommended channels(Recommended) focused, the internal control section 4 opens the menuscreen of recommended channels. Further, when the determinationoperation key 18C is pressed with the menu screen of recommendedchannels displayed, a program as a lowermost layer is displayed withrespect to a channel selected by the menu screen of recommendedchannels. Inversely, when the cancellation operation key 18D is pressed,the display is switched to menu screens in upper layers sequentially.

In contrast, when the shift operation key 18E and the determinationoperation key 18C are simultaneously operated with the menu screen ofrecommended channels displayed, the display screen is switched to aprogram guide of a focused recommended channel. Further, when thecancellation operation key 18D is pressed on the display screen of thisprogram guide, the display screen returns to the original menu screen ofrecommended channels. In this manner, in the present embodiment, whenthe shift operation key 18E and the determination operation key 18C areoperated together, a screen different from that in the case where merelythe determination operation key 18C is operated is displayed.

FIG. 7 is a plane view showing a menu screen of recommended channels, asa menu screen in a lower layer of the menu of recommended channels(Recommended). The internal control section 4 displays eight icons andone child screen in correspondence with the number of recommendedchannels displayed on the main menu screen, in the menus screen of therecommended channels. The internal control section 4 displays upper ninechannels in the order from the highest selection frequency based on thepast history, on the initial screen. That is, the internal controlsection 4 arranges a child screen at the center of the menu screen anddisplays a program assigned to the virtual channel of the fifth channelas a channel at the center. Also, surrounding this center channel, iconsof first to fourth channels (1 ch to 4 ch) and icons of sixth to ninthchannels (6 ch to 9 ch) are displayed.

When the display of the menu screen of the recommended channels isswitched, the internal control section 4 controls operation of thegraphics display signal preparation section 10 such that the display isswitched with a predetermined transit screen inserted intermediately.That is, as indicated with the arrow F in FIG. 8, the focused menu isgradually enlarged with the focus mark W kept displayed (FIG. 8(A) andFIG. 8(B)). This menu is enlarged until the initial screen obtains afinal size, and then, the icon of the fifth channel at the screen centeris surrounded by the focus mark W.

In this manner, the internal control section 4 shifts the display screenso as to zoom in on the icon selected by the user. Subsequently, asindicated by an arrow G, the icon of the fifth channel (5 ch) surroundedby the focus mark W is gradually enlarged (FIG. 8(C)). The video mixsection 9 is instructed of cross-fade processing so that the display ofthe icon is gradually switched to display of a program assigned to thefifth channel (5 ch) as the icon is enlarged.

In this manner, the internal control section 4 finally sets the menuscreen of the recommended channels to the display as described abovewith reference to FIG. 7.

In contrast, when the user operates the selection operation key 18C withthe menu screen of recommended channels displayed, the entire menuscreen is moved as indicated by an arrow H (FIG. 9(A)), with the focusmark W maintained at the screen center, and the focus is switched to theicon surrounded by the mark W having a frame-like shape. At this time,the display which has been surrounded by the focus mark W and has beenassigned to a child screen of a program is gradually minified andswitched to display of an icon, at the same time when the entire screenis moved. Subsequently, complementarily to this minified display, thedisplay of the icon surrounded by the focus mark W is enlargedgradually, and the icon of the enlarged display is switched to a childscreen of a program by cross-fading (FIGS. 9(B) and 9(C)).

On the menu screen of recommended channels thus displayed, the internalcontrol section 4 receives a selection operation of virtual channelsfrom the user through operation of the selection operation key 18C. Whenthe determination operation key 18C is pressed, the display is switchedto a focused program. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the childscreen focused at the screen center is gradually enlarged (FIGS. 10(A)to 10(D)) on the menu screen, and the display of this child screen isfinally enlarged over the entire display screen. In this manner, theinternal control section 4 can select a program presently broadcasted,by selection operation on the menu screen of virtual channels.

In contrast, when the cancellation operation key 18D is operated withthe selected program thus displayed, the display screen is graduallyminified to switch the display so as to zoom out onto the original menuscreen, on the contrary to the above explanation. At this time, theinternal control section 4 zooms out onto the menu screen such that theicon corresponding to the program which has been displayed is surroundedby the focus mark W. In this manner, in the set-top box 1, even in caseof transiting to a menu screen in an upper layer, the icon which hasbeen focused can be easily confirmed.

Also, when the user presses the cancellation operation key 18C with thescreen of recommended channels displayed, the internal control section 4gradually minifies the display screen and switches the display so as tozoom out onto the original main menu screen, on the contrary to theabove explanation. In this case, the internal control section 4 zoomsout onto the main menu screen such that the menu of recommended channelswhich has been selected is surrounded by the focus mark W at the screencenter.

FIG. 11 is a plane view showing the screen of a program guide explainedabove with reference to FIG. 6. This program guide is prepared byarranging guides each of which shows a start time of broadcasting of aprogram and contents of the program, sequentially from upside. Further,the guides are displayed in different text colors respectively fordifferent categories. In this manner, genres of programs can beconfirmed visually with ease.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between the mainmenu screen and menu screens in lower layers, with respect to the menuof categories (Categories) on the main menu screen. When thedetermination operation key 18C is pressed with the menu screen of thecategories focused, the internal control section 4 opens the menu screenof categories. Further, when the determination operation key 18C ispressed with this menu screen of categories displayed, the internalcontrol section 4 shifts the display to a menu screen in a much lowerlayer with respect to the category selected on the menu screen ofcategories. Further, when the determination operation key 18C is pressedon the menu screen in this lower layer, the internal control section 4switches the display to a focused program.

On the contrary to the above, when the cancellation operation key 18D ispressed, the display is switched to a menu screen in an upper layersequentially.

Further, when the shift operation key 18E and the determinationoperation key 18C are pressed simultaneously with the menu screen ofcategories displayed, the display screen is switched to a program guiderelating to a focused category. Further, when the cancellation operationkey 18D is pressed on the display screen of the program guide, thedisplay screen returns to the original menu screen of categories. Inthis manner, according to the present embodiment, when the shiftoperation key 18E and the determination operation key 18C are operatedtogether, a screen different from that in case of operating only thedetermination operation key 18C is displayed.

FIG. 13 is a plane view showing the menu screen of categories. Theinternal control section 4 displays nine icons on this menu screen.Here, the internal control section 4 classifies programs which can beprovided by the set-top box 1, into nine categories depending on programinformation. The menu screen of categories is constructed by nine iconsof sports, films, news, hobby, music, education, and the like. On themenu screen, the icon focused in the center of the menu screen isenlarged and displayed.

The internal control section 4 switches the main menu screen to the menuscreen of categories, like the case of switching the display to the menuscreen of recommended channels from the main menu screen. That is, theinternal control section 4 switches the display with a transit screeninserted. On the transit screen, the menu of categories is graduallyenlarged such that the display zooms in on this menu of categories, andthe icon surrounded by the focus mark W in the center is graduallyenlarged (cf. FIG. 8).

In contrast, when the user operates the selection operation key 18C withthe menu screen of categories displayed, the entire menu screen is movedwith the focus mark W maintained at the center of the screen, and thefocus is switched to the icon surrounded by the focus mark W, like thecase of the menu of recommended channels (cf. FIG. 9). At this time, thedisplay of the icon which has been enlarged on the display is graduallyminified at the same time when the entire screen shifts, andsubsequently, the display of the icon newly surrounded by the focus markW is gradually enlarged.

FIG. 14 is a plane view showing a relationship between the menu screenof program selection in a lower layer corresponding to one icon on themenu screen of categories and all icons grouped into this lower layer.In the present embodiment, the internal control section 4 displays amenu of programs which can be provided with respect to one genrearranged on the menu screen of categories, on the menu screen in thelower layer. At this time, for example, if nine kinds or more ofprograms can be provided with respect to the music genre correspondingto one icon arranged on the menu of categories, the internal controlsection 4 assigns icons to all of these programs that can be provided,respectively, and creates an entire screen on which all of these iconsare arranged.

The internal control section 4 zooms in on a part of the entire screento display nine icons, and creates the menu screen of program selectionby displaying these nine icons. At this time, with respect to the iconat the screen center, the program as the contents of this icon isdisplayed in form of a child screen.

When switching the display from the menu screen of categories to themenu screen of program selection, the internal control section 4controls the operation of the graphics display signal preparationsection 10 such that the display is switched with a predeterminedtransit screen inserted therebetween. That is, as shown in FIGS. 15 and16, the focused menu is gradually enlarged with the focus mark W keptdisplayed (FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B)). When this menu becomes larger than apredetermined value, the display of this icon is rendered graduallytransparent so that icons in a lower layer can be viewed with eyes.

Subsequently, the internal control section 4 displays the entire screendescribed above with reference to FIG. 14 (cf. FIG. 15), and graduallyenlarges the entire screen to display the menu screen of programselection (FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B)). In this manner, in the set-top box 1,the entire image of icons which belong to the menu screen of programselection can be grasped visually.

Further, at this time, the icon surrounded by the focus mark W at thecenter is gradually enlarged, and the display of this icon is switchedto a child screen when the icon becomes equal to or larger than apredetermined value (FIG. 16(B)).

In contrast, when the user operates the selection operation key 18C withthe menu screen of program selection displayed, the entire menu screen(which is the entire screen displaying all icons in this case) is moved,like in the case of the menu screen of recommended channels (cf. FIG.9), and the focus is switched to the icon surrounded by the focus markW. At this time, the display of the child screen which has beenenlarged, displayed, and surrounded by the focus mark W is switched todisplay of an icon and is gradually minified, at the same time when theentire screen shifts. Subsequently, the display of the icon surroundedby the focus mark W is gradually enlarged and switched to display of achild screen.

Also, when the determination operation key 18C is pressed on the menuscreen of program selection thus displayed, the internal control section4 switches the display to a focused program. In this case, on the menuscreen of program selection, the child screen focused at the screencenter is gradually enlarged and displayed (cf. FIG. 10), and thedisplay of this child screen is finally enlarged over the entire displayscreen.

In contrast, when the cancellation operation key 18C is operated withthe selected program thus displayed, the display screen is graduallyminified and switched so as to zoom out on the original menu screen ofprogram selection, on the contrary to the above explanation. At thistime, the internal control section 4 zooms out onto the menu screen suchthat the icon corresponding to the program which has been displayed issurrounded by the focus mark W at the screen center.

Also, when the user presses the cancellation operation key 18C with themenu screen of program selection displayed, the internal control section4 minifies gradually the display screen and switches the display so asto zoom out onto the original menu screen of categories, on the contraryto the above explanation. At this time, on the contrary to the caseexplained above with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the internal controlsection 4 zooms out from the entire display until the entire screenbased on the icon which has been focused is displayed. Thereafter, thesection 4 switches to the icon of the corresponding category and zoomsout from the icon of this category.

Also, in this case, the internal control section 4 zooms out onto themenu screen of categories such that the icon of the category which hasbeen selected is surrounded by the focus mark at the screen center.

Further, when the user presses the cancellation operation key 18C onthis menu screen of categories, the display screen is gradually minifiedand is switched so as to zoom out onto the original main menu screen,also on the contrary to the above explanation. Also in this case, theinternal control section 4 zooms out onto the main menu screen such thatthe menu of the category which has been selected is surrounded by thefocus mark W at the screen center.

FIG. 17 is a plane view showing a screen of a program guide which hasbeen explained with reference to FIG. 12. This program guide is preparedby arranging guides each including a start time of broadcasting of aprogram and the contents of the program, sequentially from upside. Notethat FIG. 17 shows a case where no external device is connected to thenetwork and only those programs that can be obtained through the tuner 2from the set-top box 1 can be provided.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between the mainmenu screen and menu screens in lower layers with respect to the menu ofmedia (Media) on the main menu screen. When the determination operationkey 18C is pressed with the menu of media (Media) focused on the mainmenu screen, the internal control section 4 opens the menu screen ofmedia. Further, when a source which records a program is selected withthe menu screen of media displayed, the display is switched to a menuscreen of program selection as a menu screen in a corresponding lowerlayer. Further, when the determination operation key 18C is pressed onthis menu screen of program selection, the internal control section 4switches the display to a focused program.

On the contrary to the above, when the cancellation operation key 18D ispressed, the display is switched back to a menu screen in an upper layersequentially.

Further, when the shift operation key 18E is pressed with a program asthe lowermost layer displayed, the operation mode is switched to a firstsearch mode, and the display screen is switched to a corresponding firstsearch screen. When the shift operation key 18E is released, the menuscreen of categories displayed, the display screen is switched to theoriginal display of the program.

In contrast, when the determination operation key 18C is pressed withthe shift operation key 18E pressed, the operation mode is switched to asecond search mode, and the display screen is switched to acorresponding second search screen. In the internal control section 4,when a specific menu such as retrieve or the like is selected on thismenu screen of media, a display screen corresponding to aimed processingis displayed by display switching which is different from that of thelayer structure explained with reference to FIG. 18.

FIG. 19 is a plane view showing the menu screen of media. The internalcontrol section 4 displays nine icons on this menu screen. That is, anicon (Guide ROM) for opening a program guide using CD-ROM, an icon (TextSearch) for opening a program search based on text search, and an icon(Promotion) for opening a channel of promotion based on digitalsatellite broadcasting are arranged from the top in the left end. If anyof these three icons is selected, the internal control section 4executes corresponding processing by switching to a display screendifferent from menu screens based on the layer structure as describedabove with reference to FIG. 17.

Also, icons for specifying a digital video disk (DVD), a hard diskdevice (HDD), and a compact disk player (CD) are arranged from the topin the center. From the top side in the right end, icons for specifyingD-VHS, DVD-R, and VHS are respectively arranged. The internal controlsection 4 enlarges and displays the focused icon in the center of themenu screen also in this case. The icons arranged in the center and theright side on the menu screen indicate various media such as a videodisk recorder 8 described above and the like, which can be connected tothe set-top box 1 through the home network.

The internal control section 4 switches the display to this menu screenof media from the main menu screen, in a manner similar to the casewhere the display is switched from the main menu screen to the menuscreen of recommended channels. That is, the internal control section 4switches the display with a transit screen inserted. On the transitscreen, the menu of media is gradually enlarged such that the displayzooms in on this menu of media, and the icon surrounded by the focusmark W in the center is gradually enlarged (cf. FIG. 8).

In contrast, when the user operates the selection operation key 18C withthe menu screen of media displayed, the entire menu screen is moved withthe focus mark W maintained at the center of the screen, and the focusis switched to the icon surrounded by the focus mark W, like the case ofthe menu of recommended channels (cf. FIG. 9). At this time, the displayof the icon which has been enlarged and surrounded by the focus mark Wis gradually minified at the same time when the entire screen shifts,and subsequently, the display of the icon newly surrounded by the focusmark W is gradually enlarged.

FIG. 20 is a plane view showing a menu screen of program selection in alower layer corresponding to one icon on the menu screen of media. Theinternal control section 4 layouts, for example, index images at thestart times of respective programs among index images added duringrecording, to create the menu screen of program selection. For example,with respect to a program selection menu based on a DVD or the likewhich is a reproduction-only medium, an index image recorded on the DVDdisk is displayed, and if necessary, a beginning part is reproduced tocreate the menu screen.

At this time, for example, it can be considered that nine or moreprograms are recorded in the hard disk device. Therefore, the internalcontrol section 4 assigns icons respectively to all the programs thatare grouped into the icon of the hard disk device, and creates theentire screen by arranging all these icons.

The internal control section 4 zooms in onto a part of the entire screento display nine icons, and prepares the menu screen of program selectionby displaying the nine icons. At this time, with respect to the icon atthe screen center, the program as the contents of this icon is displayedin form of a child screen.

When switching the display from the menu screen of media to the menuscreen of program selection, the internal control section 4 switches thedisplay, inserting intermediately a transit screen similar to thetransit screen described above with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. Thatis, a focused menu is gradually enlarged with the focus mark W keptdisplayed. When this menu becomes equal to or larger than apredetermined value, the display of this icon is rendered graduallytransparent so that icons in a lower layer can be viewed with eyes.Subsequently, the internal control section 4 displays the entire screenbased on all the icons and gradually enlarges the entire screen todisplay the menu screen of program selection. Further, at this time, theicon surrounded by the focus mark W at the center is gradually enlarged,and the display of this icon is switched to display of a child screenwhen the icon becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

In contrast, when the user operates the selection operation key 18C withthe menu screen of program selection displayed, the entire menu screen(which is the entire screen displaying all icons in this case) is moved,like in the case of the menu screen of recommended channels (cf. FIG.9), and the focus is switched to the icon surrounded by the focus markW. At this time, the display of the child screen which has beenenlarged, displayed, and surrounded by the focus mark W is switched todisplay of an icon and is gradually minified, at the same time when theentire screen shifts. Subsequently, the display of the icon surroundedby the focus mark W is gradually enlarged and switched to display of achild screen.

Also, when the determination operation key 18C is pressed on the menuscreen of program selection thus displayed, the internal control section4 switches the display to a focused program. In this case, on the menuscreen of program selection, the child screen focused at the screencenter is gradually enlarged and displayed (cf. FIG. 10), and thedisplay of this child screen is finally enlarged over the entire displayscreen.

In contrast, when the cancellation operation key 18C is operated withthe selected program thus displayed, the display screen is graduallyminified and switched so as to zoom out onto the original menu screen ofprogram selection, on the contrary to the above explanation. At thistime, the internal control section 4 zooms out onto the menu screen suchthat the icon corresponding to the program which has been displayed issurrounded by the focus mark W at the screen center.

Also, when the user presses the cancellation operation key 18C with themenu screen of program selection displayed, the internal control section4 minifies gradually the display screen and switches the display so asto zoom out onto the original menu screen of media, on the contrary tothe above explanation. At this time, the internal control section 4zooms out from the entire display until the entire screen based on theicon which has been focused is displayed. Thereafter, the section 4switches the display to the icon of the corresponding medium and zoomsout from the icon of this medium. Also, in this case, the internalcontrol section 4 zooms out onto the menu screen of media such that theicon of the medium which has been selected is surrounded by the focusmark W at the screen center.

Further, when the user presses the cancellation operation key 18C onthis menu screen of media, the display screen is gradually minified andis switched so as to zoom out onto the original main menu screen, alsoon the contrary to the above explanation. Also in this case, theinternal control section 4 zooms out onto the main menu screen such thatthe menu of the medium which has been selected is surrounded by thefocus mark W at the screen center.

(1-4) Processing Procedure of Layer Display in Internal Control Section4

FIGS. 21 and 22 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure in theinternal control section 4 in case of switching the menu screens and thelike according to the zooming processing by enlarging and minifyingicons. In this processing procedure, the internal control section 4 goesfrom a step SP1 to a step SP2 where the section 4 selects correspondingicons from displayed choices and determines the layout of the selectedicons.

Subsequently, the internal control section 4 goes to a step SP3 anddisplays the entire screen based on all corresponding icons. Thereafter,in a subsequent step SP4, an aimed menu screen is displayed. At thistime, the internal control section 4 displays the menu screen so as tozoom in from the entire screen. For example, if displayed icons arelimited and the entire screen is equal to the menu screen like the mainmenu screen, the internal control section 4 displays directly the menuscreen.

Subsequently, the internal control section 4 goes to a step SP5 andenlarges and displays a focused icon at the screen center. In this case,in the menu screen of program selection as the lowermost layer, a childscreen is assigned to this enlarged display.

Subsequently, the internal control section 4 goes to a step SP6, anddetermines whether or not the selection operation key (selection key)18C is operated or not. If a positive determination result is obtained,the section 4 goes to a step SP7 and minifies the icon at the screencenter. Subsequently, the internal control section 4 goes to a step SP8and moves the menu screen to switch the focus. The section 4subsequently returns to the step SP5 and enlarges and displays the newlyfocused icon.

Otherwise, if the selection operation key (selection key) 18C is notoperated at all, the internal control section 4 goes to the step SP9from the step SP6 (FIG. 22). The internal control section 4 thendetermines whether or not the determination operation key (determinationkey) 18C is pressed. If a negative determination result is obtained, thesection 4 goes to the step SP10. The internal control section 4 thendetermines whether or not the cancellation operation key (cancel key)18D is operated. If a negative result is obtained, the section 4 returnsto the step SP6.

In this manner, the internal control section 4 repeats the processingprocedure of the step SP6 to SP9 to SP10 to SP6 while the determinationoperation key 18C, the cancellation operation key 18D, and the selectionoperation key 18C are operated.

When the determination operation key 18C is operated while theprocessing procedure is repeated, a positive determination result isobtained in the step SP9, so the internal control section 4 goes fromthe step SP9 to the step SP11. The internal control section 4 thendetermines whether or not the image at the screen center is an imagelinked to a program, i.e., whether or not the image at the screen centeris a child screen for introducing a program.

If the menu screen presently displayed is a menu screen other than themenu screen of program selection, a negative determination result isobtained, so the internal control section 4 goes from the step SP11 to astep SP12. The internal control section 4 further zooms in on the iconat the screen center and thereafter returns to the step SP2. In thismanner, the internal control section 4 switches the menu screen to alower layer sequentially, in response to operation on the determinationoperation key 18C.

In contrast, in case where the menu screen presently displayed is a menuscreen of program selection, a positive determination result is obtainedin the step SP11, so the internal control section 4 goes from the stepSP11 to the step SP13. In this step, the internal control section 4switches the entire operation such that the program based on the childscreen is displayed over the entire display screen. In this manner, theinternal control section 4 displays a program selected by the user,passing through the layers sequentially.

Subsequently, the internal control section 4 goes to the step SP14 anddetermines whether or not the cancellation operation key 18D isoperated. If a negative determination result is obtained, the step SP14is repeated. In this manner, the internal control section 4 continuesdisplaying a program until the cancellation operation key 18D isoperated.

In contrast, when the cancellation operation key 18D is operated whiledisplaying a program, the internal control section 4 goes from the stepSP14 to the step SP15 and switches the display so as to zoom out ontothe menu screen of program selection as the menu screen immediatelybefore. Thereafter, the internal control section 4 returns to the stepSP4. In this manner, the internal control section 4 can switch thechannel being watched and heard as required.

In cases where the internal control section 4 thus returns to the menuscreen of program selection and where the menu screen or the like isselected by mistake, the internal control section 4 goes from the stepSP10 to the step SP16 by operation of the cancellation operation key18D. The internal control section 4 then determines whether or not amenu screen in an upper layer exists with respect to the menu screenpresently displayed. If the main menu screen is displayed, a negativedetermination result is obtained, so the internal control section 4returns from the step SP16 to the step SP6.

In contrast, if there is an upper layer, a positive determination resultis obtained in the step SP16, so the internal control section 4 goesfrom the step SP16 to a step SP17, and switches the display so as tozoom out onto a menu screen in an upper layer. Further, in a subsequentstep SP18, the internal control section 4 selects an icon from choiceswith respect to the menu screen in the upper layer and determines thelayout and the like. Then, the section 4 returns to the step SP4.

(1-5) Display of Search Screen

FIG. 23 is a plane view showing a first search screen in case where theshift operation key 18E is operated with a program displayed. Theinternal control section 4 displays this display screen in case where amedium whose program is displayed is a random-accessible hard diskdevice or the like.

In this first search screen, the internal control section 4 displays aprogram which has been displayed over the entire screen, with theprogram minified. Further, in the lower side of the screen, index imagesof the program are arranged in the time-series order from the left side.At this time, the internal control section 4 displays an index image(i.e., a focused index image) corresponding to the image presentlydisplayed at the screen center, with the index image enlarged incomparison with other still images and positioned at the center in thelower side.

Further, when the selection operation key 18C is operated with the shiftoperation key 18E continuously pressed, still images positioned in thelower side are moved to the left and right in response to thisoperation. At this time, as these image move, the focus is switched tothe still image which is to be displayed in the center in the lowerside, and the focused index image is enlarged while the index imagewhich has been enlarged is changed into a size equal to the size ofother images.

In contrast, when the determination operation key 18C is operated withthe shift operation key 18E continuously pressed, the display image atthe screen center is switched so as to correspond to the focused indeximage. In this manner, in the set-top box 1, during the period in whichthe shift operation key 18E is pressed, the first search screen isdisplayed so that a desired scene can be selected as if feed forward andrewind were carried out in a video tape recorder. Further, processingcorresponding to the feed forward and rewind can be executed atinstance.

To execute the processing as described above, the internal controlsection 4 switches control commands to be issued to the hard disk deviceor the like if necessary. In this manner, index images necessary forforming this search screen are provided for the graphics display signalpreparation section 10.

In this respect, FIG. 24 is a plane view showing a first search screendisplayed in case where the medium is a video tape recorder or the likewhich is difficult to access randomly. In this case, it is difficult tofind heads of programs by random access, so the internal control section4 displays icons like operation keys of a video tape recorder, in placeof still images in time series.

Further, when the selection operation key 18C is operated with the shiftoperation key 18E continuously pressed, the brightness of these icons isswitched in response to this operation, so that the icon of the focuscan be viewed with eyes. Further, when the determination operation key18C is pressed with the shift operation key 18E pressed continuously,the internal control section 4 outputs a control command for feedforward, rewind, or the like to a video tape recorder or the like, incorrespondence with the focused icon. A reproduced image obtained as aresult of this is displayed at the screen center.

In contrast, if the press of the shift operation key 18E is released,the internal control section 4 displays the screen displayed at thescreen center, over the entire screen, and returns to the originaldisplay screen.

In contrast, FIG. 25 is a plane view showing a second search screen incase where the shift operation key 18E and the determination operationkey 18C are simultaneously operated while the menu screen of programselection in a medium is displayed. The internal control section 4displays this display screen if the medium displayed in a child screenis a medium such as a hard disk device or the like which is randomlyaccessible.

Then, in the second search screen, the top index image of a programpresently focused is displayed at the screen center in the lower side,surrounded by the focus mark W. Further, index images relating to thefocused program are displayed and minified sequentially in a directionsequentially along the time axis, spirally toward the center of thedisplay screen, in the anti-clockwise direction from this index image.Further, the display is gradually faded out toward the center of thespiral from the outer circumferential side so that the background isseen through.

In this respect, in the clockwise direction of the focused index image,an index image at an earlier time point than the presently focused indeximage is displayed in correspondence with the size of the display whichsequentially changes along the spiral layout of index images. This indeximage is also displayed to be faded such that the background can be seenthrough. In FIG. 25, since the index image presently focused is the headof a program, a meshed dummy index image is displayed in the displayarea of the index image at an earlier time point than the presentlyfocused index image.

Further, the second search screen is displayed on the background wherethe index images spirally spread over from the spiral layout. In thismanner, in this set-top box 1, using the focused index image as areference, the flow of the program which changes in accordance withelapse of time can be visually grasped by the layout along the time axisusing perspective, so that a desired scene can be selected easily.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 26, when the selection operation key 18E isoperated in the rightward direction, the internal control section 4, asshown in FIG. 26(A) in contrast to FIG. 26(B), with the focus mark Wmaintained at the present display position, moves the display positionof each index image to a display position which is shifted to the postside by one step equivalent to one screen in the clockwise direction.Further, in this movement, each index image is changed to a sizecorresponding to the position after the movement (or the images may bearranged such that the image is older as the image is closer to thecenter of the spiral layout and the display position of each index imagemay be moved in the clockwise direction to a display position which isshifted to the future side by one step equivalent to one screen).Further, the internal control section 4 arranges a subsequent futureindex image, at the innermost index image layout position where an indeximage is lost by the movement. Further, the internal control section 4sets the focus at the index image moved into the focus mark W, and inthis manner, the focused index image is switched in the time-axisdirection.

On the contrary to the above, when the selection operation key 18C isoperated in the leftward direction, as shown in FIG. 26(C) in contrastto FIG. 26(B), the display position of each index image is moved to adisplay position in the counter clockwise direction in the future sideby one step equivalent to one screen, in response to this operation,with the focus mark W maintained at the present display position.Further, during this movement, each index image is changed to a sizecorresponding to the position after the movement (or the images may bearranged such that the image is older as the image is closer to thecenter of the spiral layout and the display position of each index imagemay be moved in the anticlockwise direction to a display position whichis shifted to the future side by one step equivalent to one screen).Also, the internal control section 4 arranges a subsequent index image,at the outermost index image layout position where an index image islost by the movement. At the same time, the internal control section 4switches the focus to the index image moved into the focus mark W, andin this manner, the focused index image is switched in the time-axisdirection.

In contrast, when the selection operation key 18C is operated upward, asshown in FIG. 27(A) in contrast to FIG. 27(B), each of the index imagesarranged in the spiral layout is moved to a display position shiftedtoward the outer circumferential side of the spiral, in response to thisoperation, with the focus mark W maintained at the present displayposition. Further, during this movement, each index image is changed toa size corresponding to the position after the movement. Further, asubsequent index image is sequentially arranged at an index image layoutposition in the inner circumferential side, where the index image islost by this movement. At the same time, the internal control section 4switches the focus to the index image moved into the focus mark W, sothe index image is switched in the time-axis direction. In this manner,the internal control section 4 switches the display of the search screenas if the view point was moved to the back side by one turn along thecenter axis of the spiral layout, with respect to the index imagesarranged spirally from the front side, and jumps over index imagesequivalent to one turn of the spiral layout to switch the focused indeximage in the direction along the time axis.

In contrast, when the selection operation key 18C is operated downward,as shown in FIG. 27(C) in contrast to FIG. 27(B), each of the indeximages arranged in the spiral layout is moved to a display positionshifted toward the inner circumferential side of the spiral, in responseto this operation, with the focus mark W maintained at the presentdisplay position. Further, during this movement, each index image ischanged to a size corresponding to the position after the movement.Further, a subsequent index image is sequentially arranged at an indeximage layout position in the outer circumferential side, where the indeximage is lost by this movement. At the same time, the internal controlsection 4 switches the focus to the index image moved into the focusmark W, so the index image is switched in the direction opposite to thetime-axis direction. In this manner, the internal control section 4switches the display of the search screen as if the view point was movedto the front side by one turn along the center axis of the spirallayout, with respect to the index images arranged spirally from thefront side, and jumps over index images equivalent to one turn of thespiral layout to switch the focused index image in the directionopposite to the time axis direction.

In contrast, when the determination operation key 18C is pressed, theinternal control section 4 displays the focused index image over theentire screen and starts reproducing a recorded video from the indeximage.

Further, if display of a program is thus started through the secondsearch screen, the internal control section 4 switches the display tothe second search screen and displays index images in the same manner asdescribed above, when the determination operation key 18C is operatedduring display of the program.

In contrast, when the cancellation operation key 18D is operated withthe second search screen displayed, the internal control section 4returns to the original menu screen of program selection.

(1-6) Processing Procedure in Internal Control Section 4 in Display ofSearch Screen and Retrieve Screen

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure in the internalcontrol section 4 in the display of the search screen and the display ofthe retrieve screen, with the operation of the shift operation key 18Eused as a standard. When the power is turned on, the internal controlsection 4 goes from a step SP20 to a step SP21 and determines whether ornot the shift operation key 18E (shift key) is pressed. If the shiftoperation key 18E is not pressed, the internal control section 4 goes toa step SP22 and switches the operation to a normal screen display modewhich has been described above with respect to the layer display of menuscreens.

Subsequently, the internal control section 4 goes to a step SP23 anddetermines whether or not another operation key is operated. If no otheroperation key is operated, the section 4 returns to the step SP21.Otherwise, if any other operation key is operated, the section 4 goes toa step SP24 and switches the display to an upper layer, a lower layer,or the like in response to the operation of the operation key.Thereafter, the internal control section 4 returns to the step SP21.

In contrast, if the shift operation key 18E is pressed, a positiveresult is obtained in the step SP21, so the internal control section 4goes to a step SP25 and enters into a special screen display mode.Subsequently, the internal control section 4 goes to a step SP26 anddetermines whether or not any other operation key is operated. If noother operation key is operated, the section 4 returns to the step SP21.Otherwise, if any other operation key is operated, the section 4 goes toa step SP27 and switches the display screen to a display screen ofprogram guide or a search screen in response to the operation of theoperation key. Thereafter, the section 4 returns to the step SP21.

In this manner, the internal control section 4 displays a screendifferent from a normal case only in the case where the shift operationkey 18E is pressed. Accordingly, various operations can be executed witha reduced number of operation keys. In case where a program isdisplayed, the first search screen is displayed while the shiftoperation key 18E is pressed in this processing procedure.

FIGS. 29 and 30 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure in theinternal control section 4 in the first search screen. The internalcontrol section 4 goes from a step SP40 to a step SP41 and displays aprogram selected by the user over the entire screen of the monitordevice 11 and goes to a step SP42. The internal control section 4 thendetermines whether or not the shift operation key 18E is operated. If anegative determination result is obtained, the section 4 returns to thestep SP41.

In contrast, if a positive determination result is obtained in the stepSP42, the internal control section 4 goes to a step SP43 and minifiesthe display of a video as a program (cf. FIG. 23). Subsequently, theinternal control section 4 goes to a step SP44 and obtains positioninformation (e.g., a time code or the like) with respect to the videobeing reproduced. Thereafter, the section 4 goes to a step SP45 andobtains index images before and after the time information as astandard, from the video disk recorder 8, and displays these indeximages arranged in the lower side of the minified video.

Subsequently, the internal control section 4 goes to a step SP 46 anddetermines whether or not the shift operation key 18E is keptcontinuously pressed. If a negative determination result is thenobtained, the section 4 goes to a step SP47 and erases the index imagesfrom the display screen. In a subsequent step SP48, the internal controlsection 4 makes the minified and displayed video recover the originalsize, and returns to the step SP42.

In this manner, when the shift operation key 18E is pressed, theinternal control section 4 displays the first search screen. When thepress of the shift operation key 18E is released, the original displayscreen is displayed.

In contrast, if the shift operation key 18E is kept continuouslypressed, the internal control section 4 goes from the step SP46 to astep SP49 (FIG. 30), and determines whether or not the selectionoperation key 18C is operated in addition to the shift operation key18E. If a positive determination result is obtained, the internalcontrol section 4 goes to a step SP50 and moves the positions of theindex images to switch the focused index image, in response to theoperation of the selection operation key 18C. The internal controlsection 4 then returns to the step SP46.

In contrast, if a negative determination result is obtained in the stepSP49, the internal control section 4 goes to a step SP51 and determineswhether or not the determination operation key 18C is operated inaddition to the shift operation key 18E. If a negative determinationresult is obtained, the internal control section 4 returns to the stepSP46. Otherwise, if a positive determination result is obtained, theinternal control section 4 goes to a step SP52 and switches the displayto a corresponding reproduced image, with respect to the scene of thefocused index image. Then, the internal control section 4 returns to thestep SP46.

In this manner, the internal control section 4 is arranged such that aprogram can be watched and heard from a desired scene by operating theoperation key 18C with the shift operation key 18E pressed.

FIGS. 31, 32, and 33 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure inthe internal control section 4, which relate to the second searchscreen. In this processing procedure, a processing procedure whenrecording a program is shown together. That is, the internal controlsection 4 goes to a step SP61 from a step SP60, and selects candidatesof index images while recording image data provided sequentially throughdigital satellite broadcasting on the video disk recorder 8, forexample. Further, in a subsequent step SP62, the internal controlsection 4 sets an index image for every scene from the selectedcandidates of index images, and records the index image as a thumbnailimage into the medium under recording.

When the determination operation key 18C is operated on the programselection menu of media with the shift operation key 18E pressed afterprogram recording is thus completed, the internal control section 4 goesto a step SP63 and sets a count value (count) for specifying an indeximage to 0. Also, the number (max) of index images displayed on thescreen is set to a maximum value which can be displayed on the secondsearch screen.

Subsequently, the internal control section 4 goes to a step SP64 andobtains an index image expressed by a variable (max)-(count) from thetop of the sequence of the focused program, from the video disk recorder8. Thereafter, the section 4 goes to a step SP65 and calculates thecoordinates, size, transparency, and depth of this index image.

In a subsequent step SP66, the internal control section 4 displays theindex image obtained in accordance with the calculation result, on thedisplay screen. Thereafter, the internal control section 4 goes to astep SP67 and increases the count value (count) by 1. Subsequently, theinternal control section 4 goes to a step SP68 and determines the countvalue (count) is equal to or smaller than a maximum value (max) whichcan be displayed on the second search screen. If a positivedetermination result is obtained, the internal control section 4 goes tothe step SP64.

In this manner, the internal control section 4 repeats a processingprocedure of the steps SP64 to SP65 to SP66 to SP67 to SP68 to SP64 toarrange spirally the index images and thereafter goes to a step SP70(FIG. 32).

The internal control section 4 determines whether or not any operationkey is operated in the step SP70. If a negative determination result isobtained, the step SP70 is repeated. In contrast, if any operation keyis operated, a positive determination result is obtained so that theinternal control section 4 goes to a step SP71 from the step SP70 anddetermines whether or not the determination operation key 18C isoperated. If a negative determination result is obtained, the internalcontrol section 4 goes to a step SP72 and determines whether or not theselection operation key 18C is operated in the rightward or leftwarddirection.

If a negative determination result is obtained, the internal controlsection 4 goes to a step SP73 and moves the spirally arranged indeximages in the spiral layout direction or a direction opposite thereto,in correspondence with the operation direction of the operation key 18C.Simultaneously, the section 4 changes the sizes of the index images (cf.FIG. 26) and then returns to the step SP70.

In contrast, if a negative determination result is obtained in the stepSP72, the internal control section 4 goes to the step SP74 from the stepSP72 and determines whether or not the selection operation key 18C isoperated in the upward or lower direction.

If a positive determination result is obtained, the internal controlsection 4 goes to a step SP75 and moves the spirally arranged indeximages toward the outer or inner circumferential side in correspondencewith the operation direction of the operation key 18C and changes thesizes (cf. FIG. 27). The section 4 then returns to the step SP70.

In contrast, if a negative determination result is obtained in the stepSP74, the internal control section 4 goers to a step SP76 and determineswhether or not the cancellation operation key 17D is operated. If anegative determination result is obtained, the internal control section4 returns to the step SP70. Otherwise, if a negative determinationresult is obtained, the section 4 goes to a step SP77 and switches thedisplay screen to a menu screen of program selection (FIG. 20).

In contrast, if the determination operation key 18C is pressed, theinternal control section 4 goes to a step SP78 from the step SP71 (FIG.33). The index image arranged at the current position is enlarged overthe entire screen. Subsequently, the internal control section 4 goes toa step SP79 and instructs the video disk recorder 8 to start reproducinga scene specified by the index image, and displays a reproduction resultthereof on the monitor device 11. In this manner, the set-top box 1 isarranged such that the flow of time is visually grasped and a desiredscene can be easily selected.

Subsequently, the internal control section 4 goes to a step SP80 anddetermines whether or not the determination operation key 18C is pressedagain. If a negative determination result is obtained, the internalcontrol section 4 repeats the step SP80. In contrast, if a positivedetermination result is obtained, the section 4 goes to a step SP81.

The internal control section 4 then obtains an index image correspondingto the scene presently displayed, from the video disk recorder 8, andstops reproducing a video by the video disk recorder 8 in a subsequentstep SP82. Simultaneously, the internal control section 4 switches thedisplay of the video to the index image, and thereafter goes to a stepSP83 in which the section 4 gradually minifies the index image andarranges the current position on the second search screen. At this time,the internal control section 4 simultaneously obtains preceding andfollowing index images necessary for the second search screen from thevideo disk recorder 8, and arranges the index images.

After the second search screen is thus displayed, the internal controlsection 4 returns to the step SP70 and waits for a subsequent operation.In this manner, the set-top box 1 can rapidly return to the secondsearch screen as required if a desired scene is obtained from the secondsearch screen and is watched and heard.

In case where various programs which can be provided by the set-top box1 are systemized and managed by the main menu screen and the like, it isnecessary to obtain program information which can be provided from thevideo disk recorder 8 or the like as an external device. Therefore, whenthe power is turned on or when the power of another device is turned onor by a notification from the video disk recorder 8 whose recordingmedium is replaced, the internal control section 4 executes a processingprocedure shown in FIG. 34 and various program information necessary forsystemized management as described above is thereby obtained.

That is, the internal control section 4 goes to a step SP91 from thestep SP90 and determines presence or absence of an external deviceconnected to the home network. This determination is carried out bysending a predetermined command to an IEEE 1394 bus by broadcasting andby monitoring a response thereto. If an external device is newly added,a bus reset occurs so that presence or absence of an external device canbe determined.

If a negative determination result is obtained, the internal controlsection 4 goes to a step SP92 and completes this processing procedure.In contrast, if a positive determination result is obtained, the section4 goes to a step SP93. Based on the response to the broadcasting, theinternal control section 4 determines whether or not the deviceconnected to the home network has electronic program information bysequentially issuing control commands for devices respectively and byobtaining responses thereto or by attribute information of the devicesadded to the response to the broadcasting.

If a negative determination result is obtained, the internal controlsection 4 goes to a step SP92 and completes this processing procedure.In contrast, if a positive determination result is obtained, the section4 goes to a step SP94. The internal control section 4 issues a controlcommand to the device having electronic program information and obtainsall electronic program information.

In accordance with the electronic program information thus obtained, amenu of retrieve is selected by operation through the operation keysdescribed previously or an icon (guide ROM) for opening a program guideusing a CD-ROM assigned to the menu screen of a medium or an icon (textretrieve) for opening a menu of program retrieve through text retrieveis selected. The internal control section 4 then goes to a step SP95 andcalculates a display position of the electronic program information on acorresponding display screen. In a subsequent step SP96, the internalcontrol section 4 displays text information based on the electronicprogram information at this calculated position, and thereafter goes tothe step SP92 where the section 4 ends this processing procedure.

In addition to this processing, the internal control section 4 startsthe communication device 14 for every week to obtain detailed programinformation from a predetermined server. Program information provided bybroadcasting waves is thereby compensated for.

(2) Operation of Embodiments

In the structure described above, in the set-top box 1 (FIG. 1), abroadcasting wave obtained through the antenna 3 is selected by thetuner 2 so that a transport stream is demodulated, when a user selectswatching/hearing of program based on digital satellite broadcasting anda digital ground wave. Thus, a desired channel is selected by thistransport stream. Further, image data and sound data of this channel areoutputted to the monitor device 11 and the speaker 12. In this manner, aprogram desired by the user is provided.

When the user selects recording of this program, image data and sounddata obtained through the video signal processing section 6 and thesound signal processing section 7 are outputted to the video diskrecorder 8 through the home network and are recorded by a hard diskdevice or an optical disk device as the video disk recorder 8.

Also, program information of the program to be recorded is recordedtogether by electronic program information obtained by the broadcastingwave, detailed program information obtained from a predetermined server,detailed program information obtained from a CD-ROM attached to thevideo disk recorder 8, and the like.

Also, in case where the program is recorded onto a recording medium suchas a hard disk device or the like which can be randomly accessed, theposition of a scene change is detected from sequential image data, and ahead image of each scene as the image of the scene change is minified asa thumbnail image and is recorded together as an index image.

Also, when the user thus selects watching/hearing of a program recordedon the video disk recorder 8 or a program provided through a recordingmedium, image data and sound data obtained from the video disk recorder8 are inputted to a video signal processing section 6 and a sound signalprocessing section 7 through the home network. The monitor device 11 andthe speaker 12 are driven by the output signals from the video signalprocessing section 6 and the sound signal processing section 7. In thiscase, a program desired by the user can be provided.

In case where the user thus watches and hears a program based on digitalbroadcasting or digital ground wave or where a program provided by thevideo disk recorder 8 is watched and heard, a menu screen is providedsuch that an aimed program can be watched and heard easily and rapidlyby program information of each program in the set-top box 1.

That is, in the set-top box 1 (FIG. 34), when the power is turned on orwhen the power of another device is turned on or by notification fromthe video disk recorder 8 whose recording medium is replaced, anexternal device connected to the home network is identified by theinternal control section 4 (in steps SP91 and SP93). Based on thisidentification, program information added from the external deviceduring recording is obtained, and further, with respect to a programsuch as a movie or the like provided by a reproduction-only recordingmedium, program information is obtained from this recording medium.

Further, program information is obtained from electronic programinformation added to a broadcasting wave, and further, programinformation with respect to receivable programs and reproducibleprograms are obtained from program information provided from a specialCD-ROM and program information provided from a predetermined server. Inthe set-top box 1, programs which can be provided are classified intocategories such as movie, music, and the like, depending on this programinformation.

Also, in the set-top box 1, information of programs which the userwatched and heard in the past is recorded. Favorite channels of the userare selected from broadcasting channels in accordance with the record,and the selected broadcasting channels are classified into first toninth virtual channels in the order from the highest selectionfrequency.

Thus, in accordance with the past history and the program information,programs which can be provided by the set-top box 1 are classified. Inthe set-top box 1, when the power is turned on, a menu added withclassification based on media is displayed as a main menu screen (FIG.5), and further, a desired program can be selected, followingsequentially the layers by operation on the main menu screen.

In this manner, in the set-top box 1, programs as information screensare unitarily managed and a menu screen is displayed. In case where anumber of programs can be provided by obtaining programs from aplurality of information sources, information can be selected, mainlybased on the contents of information. Accordingly, the user can select adesired program easily, rapidly, and accurately without being consciousabout media such as a video tape recorder, an optical disk, and thelike. The operationality can be improved accordingly.

That is, for example, if a user watches and hear digital satellitebroadcasting or ground wave broadcasting, the menu of recommendedchannels (Recommended) is selected on the main menu screen and then goesdown the layers sequentially (FIG. 6), so a program of a desiredbroadcasting channel can be watched and heard without being consciousabout digital satellite broadcasting, ground wave broadcasting, orchannels.

If the user desires to watch and hear a program of music, movie, or thelike, the user selects the menu of categories (Categories) on the menuscreen and goes down the layers sequentially (FIG. 12). A list menu isthen displayed with respect to a desired genre. By selecting an aimedprogram from the menu, a desired program can be watched and heard byselecting an aimed program from the menu, without being conscious aboutwhether the program is presently being broadcasted or is recorded in thepast.

Further, if the user desires to watch and hear software which isavailable on the market, the menu of media (Media) is selected on themain menu screen and goes down the layers sequentially (FIG. 18). A listmenu of programs is then displayed with respect to a desired medium. Byselecting an aimed program from this menu, a desired program can bewatched and heard like the case of operating the other menus ofrecommended channels and categories.

When thus going down the layers from the main menu screen, a focus areais formed at the screen center on the main menu screen, and a focus markW is formed so as to surround this area. Further, in response to anoperation of the selection operation key 18C arranged on the remotecommander 18, the main menu screen is moved and the focus is switchedwhile the focus mark W indicating the focus area is fixed.

In this manner, in case of selecting a desired menu on the main menuscreen, a desired menu can be selected without moving diligently theview point to look for a focused menu, and the operationality can beimproved accordingly.

Also, in case where any menu is selected on the main menu screen, eachmenu is gradually enlarged and displayed (FIG. 8) on each of thesubsequent menu screens of recommended channels (FIG. 7), categories(FIG. 13), and media (FIG. 19), such that the display zooms in on eachof the menus of the recommended channels, categories, and media.

In this manner, in the set-top box 1, a result of operation selected bythe user himself or herself is confirmed with eyes so that switching ofthe menu screen can be confirmed. In case of managing various programsby layering, error operations can be avoided effectively. Also, the usercan grasp a relationship between the display screens before and afterswitching and can observe the switching of the display screens.Therefore, the user can avoid a situation of losing himself or herself,e.g., the user loses which layer or class the display screen currentlydisplayed is in when the screen is switched at an instance. In thismanner, the operationality can be improved.

On each menu screen thus switched, a focus area is formed at the screencenter, like the case of the main menu screen, and a focus mark W isformed so as to surround this area. Further, nine menus are provided foreach menu screen. Among the nine menus, the menu provided in the focusarea at the screen center and surrounded by the focus mark W is enlargedand displayed.

In this manner, in case of selecting a desired menu, a focused menu canbe rapidly searched so that the operationality can be improvedaccordingly.

Also, these menus are displayed as icons on the other menus than themenu at the center. The menu focused at the center is displayed as anicon if there are menu screens in lower layers (FIGS. 13 and 19), andthe same menu is displayed as a child screen (FIG. 7) which shows theprogram if there is not a menu screen in the lower layers.

In this manner, in the set-top box 1, whether or not a desired programcan be determined by observing this child screen with eyes. Also, inthis manner, the desired program can be rapidly and accurately selected.

Also, in this menu screen, in response to an operation of the selectionoperation key 18C provided for the remote commander 18, each screen ismoved and the focus is switched, fixing the focus mark W indicating thefocus area. In accordance with this movement, displays of menus whichare out of focus are switched to displays of small icons, and a newlyfocused icon is enlarged and displayed. If there is not a menu screen inlower layers, this icon is switched to a child screen (FIG. 9).

In this manner, in each of the menu screens in the layers right underthe main menu screen, a desired menu can be selected easily and steadilywithout moving the view point diligently in case of selecting a desiredmenu, so that the operationality can be improved accordingly. Also, adesired menu can be selected by operation unified with (or common to)the main menu, so that the operationality can also be improvedaccordingly.

Thus, in case of the recommended channels whose menu screen is in thelowermost layer subsequent to the main menu screen, it is possible towatch and hear a desired program, going down the layers sequentially byopening the menu thus selected (FIG. 10).

In contrast, with respect to a category or medium which has a menuscreen in a lower layer, the display screen can be switched to a menuscreen in the subsequent lower layer by selecting a menu on each menuscreen.

Also in this case, in the set-top box 1, the display of the menu isgradually enlarged and the menu screen is switched so as to zoom in onthe focused menu, like the case of switching the display to a menuscreen in a layer lower than the main menu screen (FIG. 15).

In this manner, the user can confirm the result of operation, which theuser herself or himself selects, with eyes and can confirm switching ofthe menu screen, like the case where the display of the menu screen inlayers lower than the main menu is switched. Therefore, even if variousprograms are managed by layering, operation errors can be effectivelyavoided so that the operationality can be improved. Also, a desired menucan be selected by operations unified with (or common to) the main menu,so that the operationality can be improved accordingly.

If an icon is enlarged to be greater than a predetermined value when themenu screen is thus switched by zoom-in, this icon is rendered graduallytransparent by transparency processing so a subsequent menu screen isdisplayed. In this manner, switching of the menu screen is perceived sothat the menu screen can be switched without a sense of incongruity.

Further, if a large number of menus are assigned to the menu on whichthe display should zoom in when the menu screen is thus switched, theentire screen where all the icons corresponding to respective menus arearranged is once displayed and the menu screen is switched so as to zoomin on the entire screen (FIGS. 15 and 16).

In this manner, the user can operate a next menu screen, grasping theentire image of a huge number of programs, for example, with respect tothe category of movie. Accordingly, for example, in case where a movienot displayed on the menu screen is selected in a menu in the lowerlayer of the movie category, a desired menu of movie can be selectedwithout diligently returning to the menu screen in the original layer.Accordingly, a desired program can be selected rapidly and steadily.

Further, in the set-top box 1, each menu screen and further the entirescreen are moved and the focus is switched with the focus area fixed inthe center of the screen, even on the menu screen in a lower layer thusdisplayed. Accordingly, displays of menus out of the focus are switchedto display of small icons, so that a newly focused icon is enlarged anddisplayed. If there is no menu screen in a lower layer, this icon isswitched to a child screen (FIG. 9).

In this manner, in case where a desired menu is selected on the menuscreen in the lower layer, a desired menu can be selected easily andsteadily without moving the view point diligently to seek a focusedmenu, so that the operationality can be improved accordingly. Also, adesired menu can be selected by operation unified with (or common to)the main menu, so that the operationality can be improved accordingly.

Thus, in the set-top box 1, the menu screen thus selected with respectto categories and media is a menu screen of program selection in thelowermost layer. Therefore, an aimed program can be easily and rapidlywatched and heard by selecting and opening a desired menu.

In both of the cases where the display is shifted to a menu screen in alower layer and where a program is further selected with respect to themenu selected as described above, in the set-top box 1, the displayscreen can be switched to lower layers and a program can be selected bypressing and operating the selection operation key 18C provided on theremote commander 18, as a determination operation key 18C.

On the contrary to the above, the user can return to menu screen inupper layers by operating the cancellation operation key 18D. In thismanner, in case of going up and down layered menu screens, programs canbe selected by unified (common) operations, so that operation errors canbe prevented accordingly and the operationality can be improved.

Further, in case of returning to a menu screen in an upper layer, thedisplay screen is switched so as to zoom out and the entire screen isdisplayed if necessary, on the contrary to the case of going down to alower layer.

In this manner, even in case of returning to upper layer, the user canreturn to upper layers, grasping the entire image, without confusion, sothat a desired program can be selected rapidly and accurately.

When the shift operation key 18E is pressed and the determinationoperation key 18C is operated on the menu screen of program selection inthe lowermost layer with respect to recommended channels and categories(FIGS. 6 and 12), to switch thus menu screens sequentially, the displayis switched to a screen of program guide. When the cancellationoperation key 18D is operated with the screen of the program guidedisplayed, the display returns to the original menu screen.

In case of a recommended channel, broadcasting schedules with respectrespective virtual channels are displayed sequentially in the order ofbroadcasting times, in different colors distinguished betweencategories, on the screen of the program guide. In this manner, theprograms on the broadcasting schedule can be confirmed, and processingfor setting timer recording or the like can be executed if necessary. Incontrast, in case of categories, a broadcasting schedule and programswhich can be watched and heard by various media are displayed as a list,with respect to a focused category, so that a desired program can bewatched and heard based on the title or the like.

In this manner, in case where a program is selected by operationdifferent from normal operation for program selection in which a programis selected following layers, a desired program can be selected byoperation similar to the case of following layers and using additionallythe shift operation key 18E. Accordingly, the operation is unified moreso that the operationality is improved.

In contrast, on the program selection menu of media, the display isswitched to the second search screen (FIG. 25) when the shift operationkey 18E and the determination operation key 18C are operated (FIG. 18).

On the second search screen, with respect to a focused program, indeximages respectively set for scenes during recording are sequentiallyenlarged from the inner circumferential side, and the enlarged imagesare arranged and displayed spirally from the inner circumferential sidein the time-series order. In this manner, the user can visually graspthe before-after relationship between the index images by perspective ofthe images sequentially enlarged in the time-series order, and the totalelapse of time can be visually grasped from the spirally consecutivedisplays. Hence, the flow of the program and each scene can be easilyunderstood, so that a head of a predetermined scene can be found easilyand rapidly. Accordingly, the operationality can be improved. Also, theenlarged image are displayed spirally from the inner circumferentialside in the time-series order, an image in the future is not overlappedon a image close to the present time.

Also, on the second search screen, index images closer to the presenttime which should be discussed in more details are displayed inrelatively larger sizes. On the contrary, index images far from thepresent time which should be less discussed are displayed in smallersizes. In this manner, images which the user desires to watch and hearare displayed specifically so that the display screen can be effectivelyused.

At this time, the display becomes gradually faded out as the indeximages are positioned closer to the center of the spiral, so that thebackground can be seen through. In this manner, the display obtainsdepth, so that elapse of time can be easily grasped.

Also, at this time, those index images are arranged on the backgroundspreading radially from the center of the spiral layout, so thatperspective is added also by the background. Elapse of time can beeasily grasped by the perspective.

In case of thus searching a head of a desired scene by the index images,the index images are moved in the circumferential direction with thefocus area fixed, in response to operation of the selection operationkey 18C in the leftward and rightward directions, and the sizes of theindex images are changed to sizes corresponding to the positions afterthe movement (FIG. 26). In this manner, the index images can be switchedso as to visually follow the time axis, and the operationality can beimproved accordingly. Also, at this time, since the focus area is fixed,the movement of the view point is prevented so that the focused indeximage can be found easily.

Also, in response to operation of the selection operation key 18C in theupward and downward directions, the index images are moved in thedirections to the inter and outer circumferential sides with the focusfixed, and the sizes of the index images are changed to sizescorresponding to the positions after the movement (FIG. 27). In thismanner, the index images can be switched so as to jump greatly along thetime axis, with one turn of the spiral layout taken as a unit, so thejump in the time-axis direction can be grasped visually. Accordingly,the operationality can be improved. Also, at this time, since the focusarea is fixed, the view point is prevented from being moved so that afocused index image can be easily found.

When the index images are moved to switch the focus, the index imagesare set such the index images closer to the inner circumferential sideare displayed to be gradually faded, and the index image positioned inthe front side in the time axis direction is also displayed to be faded.Therefore, for example, in case of switching the focus in the directionalong the time-axis, the index images are displayed as if the indeximages floated up and came close from the center of the spiral. On thecontrary, in case of switching the focus in the direction to thetime-axis direction, the display is switched such that an index imagewhich has not observed before comes into the view field.

In this manner, on the second search screen, the display is switched asif the view point was moved between the index images arrangedthree-dimensionally with the time-axis taken as a standard. Accordingly,the operationality can be improved much more.

After an index is thus selected, a desired program can be reproducedfrom the scene with the focused index image as the top of the scene, byoperating the determination operation key 18C, like the case of going toa menu in a lower layer (FIG. 18). On the contrary, it is possible toreturn to the original program selection menu by operating thecancellation operation key 18D, like the case of returning to a menuscreen in an upper layer. In this manner, a head of a desired programcan be found by operation unified with (or common to) other menuscreens.

In contrast, when the shift operation key 18E is pressed in case of thescreen of program display based on media, the first menu screen isdisplayed only while the shift operation key 18E is pressed (FIG. 18).

In the first menu screen (FIG. 23), if a medium can be randomlyaccessed, the screen which has been displayed is minified and displayed,and index images are sequentially arranged in a lateral direction in thelower side of the screen. Further, the focus area is set to the indeximage at the center, and this focused index image is enlarged to belarger than the other index images.

Also, on this first menu screen, in response to operation of theselection operation key 18C, the layout of the index images is scrolledwith the focus area fixed, so that the focused index image is switched.In this manner, the user can easily find a focused index image. Also,after an index image is thus selected, the enlarged image can beswitched to a scene based on this index image, by pressing thedetermination operation key 18C. After thus selecting a desired scene,the user can return to the original program display screen and watch andhear the program, by releasing the press of the shift operation key 18E.

In this manner, while watching and hearing a program, it is possible towatch the program, jumping over scenes as required. Accordingly, theoperationality can be improved.

At this time, in the set-top box 1, the first search screen is displayedonly while the shift operation key 18E is operated. Accordingly,increase of the number of operation keys on the remote commander 18(FIG. 3) is prevented, so that it is possible to provide a menu forinformation selection like the first search screen, which is differentfrom the other screens. Accordingly, in case of providing a largeramount of information, the operationality of an information providingapparatus of this kind can be improved.

Also, the shift operation key 18E which is thus operated is structuredsuch that this key can be operated by a forefinger, gripping the remotecommander 18. In contrast, the determination operation/selectionoperation key 18C is structured such that these keys can be operated bya thumb finger, gripping the remote commander 18 likewise. Therefore,the remote commander 18 can be operated by one hand and a head of adesired scene can be found easily.

At this time, since the shift operation key 18E is arranged separatelyfrom the other operation keys 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D, the user canoperate a search screen as a display screen of information selectionwhich is different from the other screens can be operated, distinguishedfrom a menu screen as another information selection screen. Accordingly,operation errors can be prevented in comparison with a case where theoperation key for selecting this search screen is arranged withoutdistinguishing this key from the other operation keys, so that theoperationality can be improved accordingly.

With respect to the operation key 18C which receives an operation withthe shift operation key 18E operated, a determination function isassigned like the menu screen as another information selection screen.Accordingly, a head of a desired scene can be found by operation unifiedwith (or common to) other menu screens.

In contrast, if the operation for selecting the first menu screen iscarried out with respect to a medium such as a video tape which isdifficult to randomly access, an icon which look like an operation keyof a video tape recorder is displayed in place of an index image, and ahead of a scene can be found by operating this icon. Also, it ispossible to return to the original screen by releasing the press of theshift operation key 18E.

Also, in this case, a head of a desired scene can be found by operationunified with selection on the other menu screens, operation ofdetermination, and operation on the first menu screen or the like.Accordingly, the operationality can be improved.

(3) Advantages of Embodiments

According to the structure as described above, index images aresequentially enlarged in time series and are displayed such that theenlarged images are consecutive spirally in the time-series order fromthe inner circumferential side. Therefore, the entire flow can begrasped, and the before-after relationship between the index images canbe grasped by perspective of the enlarged images. Hence, it is possibleto make the user easily understand the flow of a program and therelationship between scenes. Accordingly, with respect to the programbased on the index images, it is possible to grasp the flow of theprogram which changes in accordance with elapse of time, so a desiredscene can be easily selected.

Also, in this manner, index images closer to the present time whichshould be often discussed in details are displayed in relatively largersizes. On the contrary, index images far from the present time whichshould be less discussed than the index image at the present time aredisplayed in smaller sizes. In this manner, images which the userdesires to watch and hear are displayed specifically so that the displayscreen can be effectively used.

At this time, the display becomes gradually faded out as the indeximages are positioned closer to the center of the spiral, so that thebackground can be seen through. In this manner, the display obtainsdepth so that elapse of time can be easily grasped. Also, the indeximages are moved so as to feel as if the view point was moved in theindex images arranged three-dimensionally, and a desired index image canthus be selected.

Also, at this time, these index images are arranged on the backgroundspreading radially from the center of the spiral layout, so thatperspective is added also by the background. Elapse of time can beeasily grasped by the perspective.

Further, in response to operation of an operation key, the index imagesare moved in the inter and outer circumferential directions and thesizes of the index images are changed to sizes corresponding to thepositions after the movement. In this manner, switching between indeximages at a short time interval in the circumferential direction andswitching between index images at a long time interval in the radialdirection can be selectively executed as required, and accordingly, adesired scene can be selected easily and rapidly. Thus, theoperationality can be improved.

Also, since displays of index images are moved with fixing the focusarea based on a focus mark, movements of the view point are reduced sothat the operationality can be improved.

(4) Other Embodiments

In the embodiment described above, description has been made of the casewhere the second search screen is displayed and the index images aredisplay spirally, with respect to only media which can be randomlyaccessed. However, the present invention is not limited hitherto. Forexample, in case of reproducing a program recorded in a video taperecorder or the like, the second search screen may be displayed and theindex images may be displayed spirally.

Also, the above embodiment has been explained with respect to a casewhere a scene change is detected and an index image is set. However, thepresent invention is not limited hitherto, but index images may be setat a predetermined time interval.

Further, the above embodiment has been explained with respect to a casewhere index images are displayed spirally with respect to one program.The present invention is not limited hitherto, but index images may bedisplayed spirally with respect to a plurality of programs. In thiscase, head screens of the plurality of programs may be set as indeximages.

Also, the above embodiment has been explained with respect to a casewhere index images as time-series images according to time elapse on aprogram are spirally arranged and displayed. However, the presentinvention is not limited hitherto. For example, the present inventioncan be widely applied to, for example, a case where still imagesrecorded by an editing device and further an electronic still camera aredisplayed, or the like.

Also, description has been made of a case where information as variousprograms is provided by applying the present invention to a set-top boxin the above embodiment. However, the present invention is not limitedhitherto. For example, the present invention may be widely applied to aninformation providing apparatus and an information providing whichprovide various information like still images and the like with indeximages used as references.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, according to the present invention, index images aresequentially enlarged and are displayed such that the enlarged imagesare consecutive spirally in time-series order from the innercircumferential side. Therefore, the before-after relationship can beeasily understood between a large number of images which are consecutivein time series.

1-6. (canceled)
 7. An information providing apparatus for displayingprogram information outputted from a plurality of information sources tofacilitate selecting of a program, the information providing apparatuscomprising: first obtaining means for obtaining a first programinformation from a first information source; second obtaining means forobtaining a second program information from a plurality of secondinformation sources; memory means for storing the first programinformation and the second program information; and control means forunitarily managing and classifying the first program information and thesecond program information into a plurality of categories and displayingthe plurality of categories in a layered menu having a plurality oflayers, wherein each layer of the layered menu includes more than oneclassified categories and the user selects a program or a channel bysequentially passing through layers, and wherein the control meanscreates a recommended menu by selecting a predetermined number ofchannels based on the first program information and the second programinformation and a past viewing frequency of programs heard or watched bythe user.
 8. The information providing apparatus according to claim 7,wherein each menu uses a plurality of indications indicating contents ofthe menu.
 9. The information providing apparatus according to claim 7,wherein the lowermost layer of the menus include a plurality of childscreens indicating contents of corresponding programs.
 10. Theinformation providing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the memorystores a history of programs watched and heard by the user.
 11. Theinformation providing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the firstprogram information is electronic program information.
 12. Theinformation providing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein theplurality of second information sources comprise a server and anexternal memory.
 13. The information providing apparatus according toclaim 7, wherein the first information source is digital satellitebroadcasting or digital cable broadcasting.
 14. The informationproviding apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the layered menudisplays icons of past-broadcasted programs that are stored in thesecond information source for selection.
 15. An information providingmethod for displaying program information outputted from a plurality ofinformation sources to facilitate a user to select a program, theinformation providing method comprising the steps of: obtaining a firstprogram information from a first information source; obtaining a secondprogram information from a plurality of second information sources;storing the first program information and the second programinformation; unitarily managing and classifying the first programinformation and the second program information into a plurality ofcategories and displaying the plurality of categories in a layered menuhaving a plurality of layers; and selecting a predetermined number ofchannels based on the first program information and the second programinformation and a past viewing frequency of programs heard or watched bythe user, wherein each layer of the layered menu includes more than oneclassified categories and the user selects a program or a channel bysequentially passing through layers.
 16. The information providingmethod according to claim 15, wherein each menu uses a plurality ofindications indicating contents of the menu.
 17. The informationproviding method according to claim 15, wherein the lowermost layer ofthe menus include a plurality of child screens indicating contents ofcorresponding programs.
 18. The information providing method accordingto claim 15, wherein a history of programs watched and heard by a useris stored.
 19. The information providing method according to claim 15,wherein the first program information is electronic program information.20. The information providing method according to claim 15, wherein theplurality of second information sources comprise a server and anexternal memory.
 21. The information providing method according to claim15, wherein the first information source is digital satellitebroadcasting or digital cable broadcasting.
 22. The informationproviding method according to claim 15, wherein the layered menudisplays icons for past-broadcasted programs that are stored in thesecond information source for selection.
 23. A computer-readable mediumrecorded thereon an executable program, when executed, causing acomputer to providing information according to an information providingmethod, said information providing method comprising the steps of:obtaining a first program information from a first information source;obtaining a second program information from a plurality of secondinformation sources; storing the first program information, the secondprogram information, and a history of programs watched and heard by auser; unitarily managing and classifying the first program informationand the second program information into a plurality of categories anddisplaying the plurality of categories in a layered menu having aplurality of layers; and selecting a predetermined number of channelsbased on the first program information and the second programinformation and a past viewing frequency of programs heard or watched bythe user, wherein each layer of the layered menu includes more than oneclassified categories and the user selects a program or a channel bysequentially passing through layers.